The Relative Advantages of Learning my Language by Amy Choi

1. The author opens the story with an anecdote. What is the anecdote and what effect does it have on the reader?

It's about her grandfather, it lets you into the her life although only a little.

2. What is the author’s view of the Chinese language in the 2^nd paragraph?

She thought of it as useless as she lived in Australia and spoke English all the time.

3. What is symbolic about the house that the Grandfather mistakes for his own? What does it say about the assimilation of his family into Australian culture? What does it say about his understanding of Australian culture? What is ironic about the inhabitants of this house?

It looks just like their house. It says that things look the same here to them and they're having a little bit of trouble adjusting. It says Australian culture is different to Chinese. It is ironic because the inhabitants of the house are also of an Asian culture.

4. What does the death of her grandfather inspire the author to do?

It inspired her to learn Chinese.

5. Why is she motivated to know Chinese? What is it she wants to ensure she is able to, regretting that she couldn’t do it with her grandfather?

She is motivated to speak Chinese because before her grandfather died he wrote Chinese poems but she wouldn't read them because she couldn't understand them. She wants to be able to speak Chinese in case a member of her family dies so she can be willing and able to listen.

The author makes us consider what it really means about understanding someone's language. What basic human skill/ability is the author highlighting that cuts across all cultures?
The human ability is compassion. We can all be compassionate towards others and she highlights her compassion. She also highlights our ability to communicate to each other, as without communication life would be dull and boring.
Describe a time when you were at fault for not communicating with someone because of your own selfishness or lack of compassion.